World Cup 2019: Records show Virat, Rohit & Root will dominate

India's Kuldeep Yadav admitted bowling Pakistan batsman Babar Azam in the World Cup with a magical delivery that tossed and turned was a "dream" for any spinner.

Yadav returned figures of 2-32 with his left-arm wrist spin to play a key role in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-beat-pakistan-by-89-runs-at-world-cup-227784">India's 89-run victory</a> via DLS over arch-rivals Pakistan in Manchester on Sunday.

Yadav got Azam bowled through the gate -&nbsp;the ball nipping between bat and pad - for 48 to end a 104-run second wicket stand involving Fakhar Zaman, who top scored with 62.

"Getting Babar Azam out was the best delivery for me in this tournament. I got him out in the Asia Cup as well," Yadav told reporters.

"After the rain break, I went back and watched that delivery. It had drift and turn, so any spinner will love that delivery. It's a proper dream delivery and a proper Test delivery. Deceiving the batsman in the air and making him commit the mistake. A perfect delivery," he said with a smile.

He struck again in his next over to send the left-handed Fakhar packing after the batsman played against the spin to give away a catch at short fine leg.

Vijay Shankar and Hardik Pandya also took two wickets each to restrict Pakistan to 212 for six in a failed chase for their revised target of 302 in 40 overs.

"Both Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman play spin well. They were rotating the strike and were attacking, so it was important to break that partnership," said Yadav.

"Getting Babar out and then another wicket put them under pressure and according to DLS they needed a very high run-rate and that was a plus point for us," he said.

Pundits had raised doubts about Yadav's performance in the World Cup after coming off an ordinary show in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament.

But the 24-year-old spinner has held his own with 1-46 against South Africa and a breakthrough performance against Pakistan.

"Everyone is talking about my rhythm. I don't think I lost my rhythm. It happens when you don't pick wickets but the last three games I have bowled really well," he said.

"In the game against Australia they were struggling to hit me and that's important for any spinner," Yadav added.

India vice-captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/milestone-men-rohit-sharma-kl-rahul-ensure-indias-maiden-century-partnership-against-pakistan-in-world-cup-227611">Rohit Sharma </a>stood out with his 140 off 113 deliveries during India's 336 for five in 50 overs.

But Sharma was quick to praise Yadav for his key strikes in the Pakistan innings.

"He's our match-winning bowler in that middle over the phase, and today also you saw how important those crucial wickets were," said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-six-symbol-rohit-sharma-hits-most-sixes-beats-dhonis-record-227634">Sharma</a>.

"Both the batsmen were set. Of course, he didn't start the tournament the way he would like to, but for us as a group around him, our job is to just make sure that he gets that confidence, he gets that backing from the team," Sharma added.

Yadav has claimed 90 wickets from 47 ODI matches since his debut in 2017.

India's Kuldeep Yadav admitted bowling Pakistan batsman Babar Azam in the World Cup with a magical delivery that tossed and turned was a "dream" for any spinner.

India's Kuldeep Yadav admitted bowling Pakistan batsman Babar Azam in the World Cup with a magical delivery that tossed and turned was a "dream" for any spinner. Yadav returned figures of 2-32 with his left-arm wrist spin to play a key role in India's 89-run victory via DLS over arch-rivals Pakistan in Manchester on Sunday. Yadav got Azam bowled through the gate - the ball nipping between bat and pad - for 48 to end a 104-run second wicket stand involving Fakhar Zaman, who top scored with 62. "Getting Babar Azam out was the best delivery for me in this tournament. I got him out in the Asia Cup as well," Yadav told reporters. "After the rain break, I went back and watched that delivery. It had drift and turn, so any spinner will love that delivery. It's a proper dream delivery and a proper Test delivery. Deceiving the batsman in the air and making him commit the mistake. A perfect delivery," he said with a smile. He struck again in his next over to send the left-handed Fakhar packing after the batsman played against the spin to give away a catch at short fine leg. Vijay Shankar and Hardik Pandya also took two wickets each to restrict Pakistan to 212 for six in a failed chase for their revised target of 302 in 40 overs. "Both Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman play spin well. They were rotating the strike and were attacking, so it was important to break that partnership," said Yadav. "Getting Babar out and then another wicket put them under pressure and according to DLS they needed a very high run-rate and that was a plus point for us," he said. Pundits had raised doubts about Yadav's performance in the World Cup after coming off an ordinary show in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament. But the 24-year-old spinner has held his own with 1-46 against South Africa and a breakthrough performance against Pakistan. "Everyone is talking about my rhythm. I don't think I lost my rhythm. It happens when you don't pick wickets but the last three games I have bowled really well," he said. "In the game against Australia they were struggling to hit me and that's important for any spinner," Yadav added. India vice-captain Rohit Sharma stood out with his 140 off 113 deliveries during India's 336 for five in 50 overs. But Sharma was quick to praise Yadav for his key strikes in the Pakistan innings. "He's our match-winning bowler in that middle over the phase, and today also you saw how important those crucial wickets were," said Sharma. "Both the batsmen were set. Of course, he didn't start the tournament the way he would like to, but for us as a group around him, our job is to just make sure that he gets that confidence, he gets that backing from the team," Sharma added. Yadav has claimed 90 wickets from 47 ODI matches since his debut in 2017.

World Cup: Getting Babar Azam out was 'dream' delivery, says India's Kuldeep Yadav

Pakistan's rising star Babar Azam has revealed he models himself on India captain&nbsp;Virat&nbsp;Kohli&nbsp;just days before the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-cup-key-players-to-watch-out-for-in-india-vs-pakistan-clash-227188">fierce rivals clash</a> in an explosive World Cup showdown.

Babar holds the key for Pakistan against old foes India in Manchester on Sunday and the batsman has been fine-tuning his game by watching videos of the supremely talented&nbsp;Kohli.

Babar showed his class by scoring a brilliant 63 in Pakistan's 348-8 when they beat pre-tournament favourites England earlier in the World Cup.

His heroics gave Pakistan their only win so far in the tournament, with defeats against the West Indies and Australia, while their match against Sri Lanka was rained off.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-miandads-on-field-antics-to-tendulkars-brilliance-throwback-to-india-and-pakistans-world-cup-history-227335">Throwback to India and Pakistan's World Cup history</a>

While there is no love lost between India and Pakistan on or off the pitch, Babar is willing to admit he watches&nbsp;Kohli's batting and tries to learn from him.

"I watch his batting and the way he bats in various conditions and try to learn from them," Babar told reporters.&nbsp;

"I try to learn with experience. This is my process of learning, so I try my hundred per cent.&nbsp;

"His (Kohli) winning ratio is higher (for India) so I am trying to achieve that as well."

Babar, 24, says Pakistan's Champions Trophy final demolition of India two years ago has increased the team's confidence they can claim another surprise success against India this weekend.

"The Champions Trophy win gave us confidence and will also help here as well because the team is mostly the same and that win is always an inspiration," Babar said.

Pakistan, trounced by 124 runs in the opening match of the Champions Trophy by India, hit back by crushing their bitter rivals in the final.

Their 180-run win at the Oval is the biggest over India in all ODIs.

"That win can never go off our memories and it's a big inspiration," he said.

The India-Pakistan clash will be watched by a vast global audience and Babar insists the pressure will spur his unpredictable team to produce their best.

"We are well prepared for this match because India and Pakistan matches are exciting and demanding and the whole world watches it," Babar said.

"The whole team is positive so we are looking forward to the match. Not only me but all the players want to finish on a high, whoever hits form wants to win it."

And Babar is confident Pakistan will handle India's potent pace attack, led by world number one ODI bowler Jasprit Bumrah.&nbsp;

"No doubt, India have a good bowling attack but we have played well against England who also have a very good pace attack so all of us are confident the Indian pace attack will be properly handled," Babar said.

Pakistan's rising star Babar Azam has revealed he models himself on India captain Virat Kohli just days before the fierce rivals clash in an explosive World Cup showdown.

Pakistan's rising star Babar Azam has revealed he models himself on India captain Virat Kohli just days before the fierce rivals clash in an explosive World Cup showdown. Babar holds the key for Pakistan against old foes India in Manchester on Sunday and the batsman has been fine-tuning his game by watching videos of the supremely talented Kohli. Babar showed his class by scoring a brilliant 63 in Pakistan's 348-8 when they beat pre-tournament favourites England earlier in the World Cup. His heroics gave Pakistan their only win so far in the tournament, with defeats against the West Indies and Australia, while their match against Sri Lanka was rained off. In pics: Throwback to India and Pakistan's World Cup history While there is no love lost between India and Pakistan on or off the pitch, Babar is willing to admit he watches Kohli's batting and tries to learn from him. "I watch his batting and the way he bats in various conditions and try to learn from them," Babar told reporters. "I try to learn with experience. This is my process of learning, so I try my hundred per cent. "His (Kohli) winning ratio is higher (for India) so I am trying to achieve that as well." Babar, 24, says Pakistan's Champions Trophy final demolition of India two years ago has increased the team's confidence they can claim another surprise success against India this weekend. "The Champions Trophy win gave us confidence and will also help here as well because the team is mostly the same and that win is always an inspiration," Babar said. Pakistan, trounced by 124 runs in the opening match of the Champions Trophy by India, hit back by crushing their bitter rivals in the final. Their 180-run win at the Oval is the biggest over India in all ODIs. "That win can never go off our memories and it's a big inspiration," he said. The India-Pakistan clash will be watched by a vast global audience and Babar insists the pressure will spur his unpredictable team to produce their best. "We are well prepared for this match because India and Pakistan matches are exciting and demanding and the whole world watches it," Babar said. "The whole team is positive so we are looking forward to the match. Not only me but all the players want to finish on a high, whoever hits form wants to win it." And Babar is confident Pakistan will handle India's potent pace attack, led by world number one ODI bowler Jasprit Bumrah. "No doubt, India have a good bowling attack but we have played well against England who also have a very good pace attack so all of us are confident the Indian pace attack will be properly handled," Babar said.

World Cup: Indian maestro Virat Kohli is a model for Pakistan's Babar Azam

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World Cup: Six players to watch out for in West Indies vs Pakistan match

Ahead of the Cricket World Cup 2019, England are boosted by a 4-0 series win against Pakistan in the five-match One-Day International series, the first match was washed out.&nbsp;

In the final match, Chris Woakes took five wickets as England beat Pakistan by 54 runs to win the match at Headingley on Sunday.&nbsp;

In the match, England bowler Adil Rashid pulled off a magnificent run out to dismiss Pakistan's Babar Azam.&nbsp;

In the 27th over, Sarfraz was batting and set off for a single.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/icc-world-cup-2019-all-teams-and-their-squad-list-211495#england-211485">ICC World Cup 2019: All teams and their squad list</a>&nbsp;

But&nbsp;England wicket-keeper Jos Buttler moved quickly from behind the stumps to throw the ball to the bowler's end where Rashid, with Babar trying to regain his ground, flicked the ball onto the stumps from behind his back without looking to complete a run-out.&nbsp;

Rashid, in front of his Yorkshire home crowd, then dismissed Shoaib Malik with a diving left-handed catch off his own bowling.&nbsp;

Sarfraz was denied what would have been his third ODI hundred in bizarre fashion.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

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Mad skills Adil Rashid <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvPAK</a> <a href="https://t.co/AQCMe2oGqJ">pic.twitter.com/AQCMe2oGqJ</a>
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🙈 The no-look run out! 😱👏 
 
Fabulous work from Adil Rashid! A back-flick onto the stumps without looking does for Babar (80)... 
 
Video by <a href="https://twitter.com/englandcricket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@englandcricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/s3bkM57lSo">pic.twitter.com/s3bkM57lSo</a>
— FanOfCricket (@FanOfCricket16) <a href="https://twitter.com/FanOfCricket16/status/1130236050935205889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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England will have to reduce their 17-man squad to 15 for the World Cup and captain Eoin Morgan told BBC Radio's Test Match Special: "I could pick 17 at the moment. It is going to be an extremely tough selection."&nbsp;

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed, who top-scored for his side with 97, said, "Result-wise it is not ideal for the World Cup. But the way the batsman are batting we are ready for the World Cup.&nbsp;

"We have taken some positives but we need to sort out our bowling and fielding," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ahead of the Cricket World Cup 2019, England are boosted by a 4-0 series win against Pakistan in the five-match One-Day International series, the first match was washed out.

Ahead of the Cricket World Cup 2019, England are boosted by a 4-0 series win against Pakistan in the five-match One-Day International series, the first match was washed out. In the final match, Chris Woakes took five wickets as England beat Pakistan by 54 runs to win the match at Headingley on Sunday. In the match, England bowler Adil Rashid pulled off a magnificent run out to dismiss Pakistan's Babar Azam. In the 27th over, Sarfraz was batting and set off for a single. Also Read | ICC World Cup 2019: All teams and their squad list But England wicket-keeper Jos Buttler moved quickly from behind the stumps to throw the ball to the bowler's end where Rashid, with Babar trying to regain his ground, flicked the ball onto the stumps from behind his back without looking to complete a run-out. Rashid, in front of his Yorkshire home crowd, then dismissed Shoaib Malik with a diving left-handed catch off his own bowling. Sarfraz was denied what would have been his third ODI hundred in bizarre fashion. Watch: Mad skills Adil Rashid #ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/AQCMe2oGqJ — George Dowse-Brenan (@georgedb) May 19, 2019 × 🙈 The no-look run out! 😱👏 Fabulous work from Adil Rashid! A back-flick onto the stumps without looking does for Babar (80)... Video by @englandcricket pic.twitter.com/s3bkM57lSo — FanOfCricket (@FanOfCricket16) May 19, 2019 × England will have to reduce their 17-man squad to 15 for the World Cup and captain Eoin Morgan told BBC Radio's Test Match Special: "I could pick 17 at the moment. It is going to be an extremely tough selection." Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed, who top-scored for his side with 97, said, "Result-wise it is not ideal for the World Cup. But the way the batsman are batting we are ready for the World Cup. "We have taken some positives but we need to sort out our bowling and fielding," he added.

Watch: England's Adil Rashid pulls off MS Dhoni-like run out against Pakistan

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=babar+azam">Babar Azam</a>, who recently broke <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=virat+kohli">Virat Kohli</a>'s international record to became the fastest Indian to score 1000 runs in T20I, clung on to the top spot among batsmen in T20I rankings released on Monday.

Pakistan opener Babar Azam scored 7, 40 and 79 against New Zealand in the recently concluded three-match series.

For Pakistan, Mohammad Hafeez and Shaheen Afridi made massive gains of 20 spots and 41 spots respectively. Hafeez rose to No.59, while Afridi rose to No.78.

In bowling rankings, India's mystery spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who played a key role in India's series win over West Indies, leapfrogged 14 places to a career-high 23rd in the latest ICC T20 rankings.

Yadav picked up five wickets in two matches at an economy-rate of 5.6 in India's home series 3-0 win over the current T20 champions.

For India, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah also made gains. Kumar climbed nine places to No.19, Bumrah rose five spots to No.21 while Yuzvendra Chahal retained his place at No.4.&nbsp;

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Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammad Hafeez make big gains in latest <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> ICC T20I Rankings! 
 
Yadav jumps 14 places to a career-high No.23 in the bowlers' rankings. Hafeez vaults 16 places to No.53 among batsmen. 
 
Details ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/Bkf8sDlQuU">https://t.co/Bkf8sDlQuU</a> <a href="https://t.co/w7hBdc4BmW">pic.twitter.com/w7hBdc4BmW</a>
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Pakistan and India retained their first and second place in the team rankings, collecting two and three points respectively. Pakistan moved to 138 points while India have 127 points.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Australia will be involved in all four remaining T20Is later this month. They will play South Africa in a one-off match in Carrara on November 17, before taking on India in a three-match series from November 21-25.&nbsp;

If Australia win all four matches, then they will rise to second position on 126 points. However, if they lose all four matches, then they will end up in sixth position on 112 points.

Similarly, South Africa will gain three points if they win on 17 November, while India will move to 129 points if they win all three matches against Australia.&nbsp;

Babar Azam, who recently broke Virat Kohli's international record to became the fastest Indian to score 1000 runs in T20I, clung on to the top spot among batsmen in T20I rankings released on Monday.

Babar Azam, who recently broke Virat Kohli's international record to became the fastest Indian to score 1000 runs in T20I, clung on to the top spot among batsmen in T20I rankings released on Monday. Pakistan opener Babar Azam scored 7, 40 and 79 against New Zealand in the recently concluded three-match series. For Pakistan, Mohammad Hafeez and Shaheen Afridi made massive gains of 20 spots and 41 spots respectively. Hafeez rose to No.59, while Afridi rose to No.78. In bowling rankings, India's mystery spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who played a key role in India's series win over West Indies, leapfrogged 14 places to a career-high 23rd in the latest ICC T20 rankings. Yadav picked up five wickets in two matches at an economy-rate of 5.6 in India's home series 3-0 win over the current T20 champions. For India, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah also made gains. Kumar climbed nine places to No.19, Bumrah rose five spots to No.21 while Yuzvendra Chahal retained his place at No.4. Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammad Hafeez make big gains in latest @MRFWorldwide ICC T20I Rankings! Yadav jumps 14 places to a career-high No.23 in the bowlers' rankings. Hafeez vaults 16 places to No.53 among batsmen. Details ⬇️https://t.co/Bkf8sDlQuU pic.twitter.com/w7hBdc4BmW — ICC (@ICC) November 12, 2018 × Pakistan and India retained their first and second place in the team rankings, collecting two and three points respectively. Pakistan moved to 138 points while India have 127 points. Meanwhile, Australia will be involved in all four remaining T20Is later this month. They will play South Africa in a one-off match in Carrara on November 17, before taking on India in a three-match series from November 21-25. If Australia win all four matches, then they will rise to second position on 126 points. However, if they lose all four matches, then they will end up in sixth position on 112 points. Similarly, South Africa will gain three points if they win on 17 November, while India will move to 129 points if they win all three matches against Australia.

ICC T20 Rankings: Bowler Kuldeep Yadav reaches career-best, batsman Babar Azam holds on to No.1 spot

Babar Azam became the fastest player to reach 1,000 Twenty20 international runs as Pakistan scored 166-3 in the third and final match against New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday.

When Azam reached 48 he completed the landmark in just 26 innings, beating the previous record set by India's Virat Kohli who reached 1,000 runs in 27 Twenty20 innings.

Azam finished with a 58-ball 79 with two sixes and seven boundaries while Mohammad Hafeez scored a 34-ball 53 after Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat at Dubai stadium.

Pakistan enjoy an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Babar Azam became the fastest player to reach 1,000 Twenty20 international runs as Pakistan scored 166-3 in the third and final match against New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday.

Babar Azam became the fastest player to reach 1,000 Twenty20 international runs as Pakistan scored 166-3 in the third and final match against New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday. When Azam reached 48 he completed the landmark in just 26 innings, beating the previous record set by India's Virat Kohli who reached 1,000 runs in 27 Twenty20 innings. Azam finished with a 58-ball 79 with two sixes and seven boundaries while Mohammad Hafeez scored a 34-ball 53 after Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat at Dubai stadium. Pakistan enjoy an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Babar Azam beats Kohli's 1,000-run landmark

Australia, who were set a mammoth target of 538 by Pakistan to win the second Test, closed the third day at 47 for the loss of a wicket in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

At close, Aaron Finch (24) and Travis Head (17) were at the crease with Australia still needing 491 runs with nine wickets in hand to save a 1-0 defeat in the last two days.

For Pakistan, Babar Azam missed a maiden hundred by one run while Sarfraz Ahmed (81), Azhar Ali (64) and Asad Shafiq (44) made useful contributions.

Pakistan declared their second innings at 400-9, taking their target for Australia at mammoth 538.&nbsp;

Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon took four wickets and gave 135.

Pakistan made 282 in their first innings while Australia were dismissed for 145 in reply. The first Test between the two sides ended in a draw in Dubai last week. 
&nbsp;

Australia, who were set a mammoth target of 538 by Pakistan to win the second Test, closed the third day at 47 for the loss of a wicket in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

Australia, who were set a mammoth target of 538 by Pakistan to win the second Test, closed the third day at 47 for the loss of a wicket in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. At close, Aaron Finch (24) and Travis Head (17) were at the crease with Australia still needing 491 runs with nine wickets in hand to save a 1-0 defeat in the last two days. For Pakistan, Babar Azam missed a maiden hundred by one run while Sarfraz Ahmed (81), Azhar Ali (64) and Asad Shafiq (44) made useful contributions. Pakistan declared their second innings at 400-9, taking their target for Australia at mammoth 538. Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon took four wickets and gave 135. Pakistan made 282 in their first innings while Australia were dismissed for 145 in reply. The first Test between the two sides ended in a draw in Dubai last week.

2nd Test, Day 3: Australia 47-1 at stumps in chase of 538

Pakistan batsman Babar Azam on Saturday has been ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing two-match Test series against England due to a fractured forearm.

The 23-year-old was batting on 68 when he was retired hurt after a blow to his left forearm off Ben Stokes' delivery, on the second day of the opening Test at Lord's.

As a result, he was forced off the field and did not return to bat for the remainder of the day.

Reflecting on his injury, Pakistan physiotherapist Cliff Deacon said that the injury would likely to see Azam out of action for four to six weeks.

"We decided we were going to do a precautionary x-ray at the end of the day`s play.&nbsp

The reports added further confirmed that there was a fracture.&nbsp

With batsmen Usman Salahuddin, Fakhar Zaman and Sami Aslam already present in the squad, the Pakistan management opted to not name any replacement.

Currently, Pakistan are standing at 350 for 8 and maintaining a huge lead of 166 runs after bundling out England cheaply for 184 runs in their first innings in the ongoing first Test at the Lord's.

The 23-year-old was batting on 68 when he was retired hurt after a blow to his left forearm off Ben Stokes' delivery

Pakistan batsman Babar Azam on Saturday has been ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing two-match Test series against England due to a fractured forearm. The 23-year-old was batting on 68 when he was retired hurt after a blow to his left forearm off Ben Stokes' delivery, on the second day of the opening Test at Lord's. As a result, he was forced off the field and did not return to bat for the remainder of the day. Reflecting on his injury, Pakistan physiotherapist Cliff Deacon said that the injury would likely to see Azam out of action for four to six weeks. "We decided we were going to do a precautionary x-ray at the end of the day`s play. The reports added further confirmed that there was a fracture. With batsmen Usman Salahuddin, Fakhar Zaman and Sami Aslam already present in the squad, the Pakistan management opted to not name any replacement. Currently, Pakistan are standing at 350 for 8 and maintaining a huge lead of 166 runs after bundling out England cheaply for 184 runs in their first innings in the ongoing first Test at the Lord's.

'Injured' Babar Azam ruled out of England Test series

Pakistan produced another imperious performance to beat the West Indies by eight wickets in the third and final Twenty20 international in Karachi on Tuesday, completing a 3-0 clean sweep of the series.

The West Indies fared better with the bat compared with the first two matches, reaching 153-6 in their 20 overs after winning the toss. Opener Andre Fletcher scored a 43-ball 52 -- his team's only half-century on this tour.

It was not enough, however, as Pakistan got to the total comfortably, with opener Babar Azam scoring a rapid 40-ball 51.

The hosts raced to 61 in the sixth over with left-handed opener Fakhar Zaman smashing two sixes and six boundaries in his 17-ball 40.

He miscued a drive off Rayad Emrit and was caught behind, but Azam and Hussain Talat continued Pakistan's domination with a 52-run stand.

Talat finished with 31, and Asif Ali scored 25 not out as Pakistan chased down the target in 16.5 overs.

"When I first took over the captaincy, (coach) Mickey Arthur told me that we should become consistent. We are giving the boys a consistent run in the team and so we are flourishing," said Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed.

He also thanked the fans in Karachi, his home city.

"Karachi has won (people's) hearts. I want to say that lot of people are hurt with no cricket in Pakistan, but we will try our best to have more," he said.

West Indian captain Jason Mohammed said his side fell short again but pointed to an improved performance.

"We weren't good enough again, but happier to play a decent game. There were lots of youngsters in our squad, including myself," said Mohammed.&nbsp

"The Karachi crowd was excellent."

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Earlier, Fletcher added an invaluable 72 runs for the second wicket with Marlon Samuels who scored a 25-ball 31 with two sixes and as many boundaries.

Denesh Ramdin cracked a fiery 18-ball 42 not out with four boundaries and three sixes -- two in the last over from Usman Shinwari -- as the West Indies scored 57 in the last five overs.

Leg-spinner Shadab Khan finished with 2-27 while Mohammad Nawaz, Shinwari and Faheem Ashraf took a wicket each.

Two players made their T20 debuts on Tuesday -- teenage paceman Shaheen Afridi for Pakistan and Andre McCarthy for the West Indies.

Pakistan won the first match by 143 runs and the second by 82 runs. Karachi hosted all three T20s, the first international matches in the city in nine years.&nbsp

The series is the latest in a number of steps taken recently to help revive international cricket in Pakistan, which was suspended for years after a 2009 militant attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore.

The victory on Tuesday also strengthened Pakistan's position at the top of the world T20 rankings, with a four-point lead over second-placed Australia.

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Fakhar Zaman is the Man of the Match and Babar Azam is the Man of the Series<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvWI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvWI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ApnaKhelApneGhar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ApnaKhelApneGhar</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ix959bFpLV">pic.twitter.com/Ix959bFpLV</a>
— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB/status/981260960357863424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Read how Pakistan sealed a historic 3-0 series win against West Indies in Karachi!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvWI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvWI</a> REPORT ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/jkDrcu3Wry">https://t.co/jkDrcu3Wry</a> <a href="https://t.co/KNbyN6T6UN">pic.twitter.com/KNbyN6T6UN</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/981253758926561280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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With a 3-0 series win against West Indies, Pakistan have extended their lead at the top of the <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> ICC T20I Team Rankings! <a href="https://t.co/sFQyEdKFVq">pic.twitter.com/sFQyEdKFVq</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/981335547758067714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Since Sarfraz took over as skipper in September 2016, Pakistan have notched up series wins over England, the West Indies, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and a World XI side.

Pakistan produced another imperious performance to beat the West Indies by eight wickets in the third and final Twenty20 international

Pakistan produced another imperious performance to beat the West Indies by eight wickets in the third and final Twenty20 international in Karachi on Tuesday, completing a 3-0 clean sweep of the series. The West Indies fared better with the bat compared with the first two matches, reaching 153-6 in their 20 overs after winning the toss. Opener Andre Fletcher scored a 43-ball 52 -- his team's only half-century on this tour. It was not enough, however, as Pakistan got to the total comfortably, with opener Babar Azam scoring a rapid 40-ball 51. The hosts raced to 61 in the sixth over with left-handed opener Fakhar Zaman smashing two sixes and six boundaries in his 17-ball 40. He miscued a drive off Rayad Emrit and was caught behind, but Azam and Hussain Talat continued Pakistan's domination with a 52-run stand. Talat finished with 31, and Asif Ali scored 25 not out as Pakistan chased down the target in 16.5 overs. "When I first took over the captaincy, (coach) Mickey Arthur told me that we should become consistent. We are giving the boys a consistent run in the team and so we are flourishing," said Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed. He also thanked the fans in Karachi, his home city. "Karachi has won (people's) hearts. I want to say that lot of people are hurt with no cricket in Pakistan, but we will try our best to have more," he said. West Indian captain Jason Mohammed said his side fell short again but pointed to an improved performance. "We weren't good enough again, but happier to play a decent game. There were lots of youngsters in our squad, including myself," said Mohammed. "The Karachi crowd was excellent." Read how Pakistan sealed a historic 3-0 series win against West Indies in Karachi!#PAKvWI REPORT ➡️ https://t.co/jkDrcu3Wry pic.twitter.com/KNbyN6T6UN — ICC (@ICC) April 3, 2018 × Earlier, Fletcher added an invaluable 72 runs for the second wicket with Marlon Samuels who scored a 25-ball 31 with two sixes and as many boundaries. Denesh Ramdin cracked a fiery 18-ball 42 not out with four boundaries and three sixes -- two in the last over from Usman Shinwari -- as the West Indies scored 57 in the last five overs. Leg-spinner Shadab Khan finished with 2-27 while Mohammad Nawaz, Shinwari and Faheem Ashraf took a wicket each. Two players made their T20 debuts on Tuesday -- teenage paceman Shaheen Afridi for Pakistan and Andre McCarthy for the West Indies. Pakistan won the first match by 143 runs and the second by 82 runs. Karachi hosted all three T20s, the first international matches in the city in nine years. The series is the latest in a number of steps taken recently to help revive international cricket in Pakistan, which was suspended for years after a 2009 militant attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore. The victory on Tuesday also strengthened Pakistan's position at the top of the world T20 rankings, with a four-point lead over second-placed Australia. Fakhar Zaman is the Man of the Match and Babar Azam is the Man of the Series#PAKvWI #ApnaKhelApneGhar pic.twitter.com/Ix959bFpLV — PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) April 3, 2018 × Read how Pakistan sealed a historic 3-0 series win against West Indies in Karachi!#PAKvWI REPORT ➡️ https://t.co/jkDrcu3Wry pic.twitter.com/KNbyN6T6UN — ICC (@ICC) April 3, 2018 × With a 3-0 series win against West Indies, Pakistan have extended their lead at the top of the @MRFWorldwide ICC T20I Team Rankings! pic.twitter.com/sFQyEdKFVq — ICC (@ICC) April 4, 2018 × Since Sarfraz took over as skipper in September 2016, Pakistan have notched up series wins over England, the West Indies, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and a World XI side.

Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam shine as Pakistan whitewash West Indies in T20 series

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